Graphic Novel Reviews: We Live, Volume 1

In We Live, Vol. 1 the Miranda Brothers deliver a story of hope from an Earth that has been wracked with disasters, natural and human-made. Their post-apocalyptical world is terrifyingly beautiful and desperately sad. The Earth is on the eve of an extinction event that will forever erase humankind from existence. Hope for survival arrives in the form of 5000 bracelets and the promise of extraction for children who are lucky enough to locate a bracelet and make it to a city in time.

We Live follows the adventure of Tala and her little brother Hototo, a bracelet bearer, on the adventure from their hinterland home to the megalopolis for extraction. Their travel is subject to many trials and tribulations; genetically mutated animals, diseased humans, and socio-political machinations. They meet friends and enemies along the way and discover a lot about themselves.

One of the most unique aspects of this story is the inclusion of QR codes for original music created to bring further depth to the story. The reader is invited to listen to the music while reading or to stop and reflect on what they have already experienced with Tala and Hototo. The music is a fantastic and surprising addition to the overy all expereince with this collection.

We Live, Volume 1 collects issues 1-5 and is suitable for teen through adult readers. There are some scenes of violence and horror that may upset more sensitive readers, but they are used when necessary to advance the story.